I. HISTORY & ORGANIZATION
In the late 1970’s, Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. (Parks, Inc.) originally began as a novel Adopt-A-Park idea under the leadership of John Kilpatrick and former Nichols Hills Mayor, Ann Taylor, as a way to raise funds to help the parks remain a ‘glorious setting’ for the city. This founding concept remains the mission of the organization.

Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. was formally organized in 1983 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and raises funds to beautify and sustain the 31 neighborhood parks in Nichols Hills, of which Kite Park and Davis Park are the largest.

Parks, Inc. has a board of 31 members who volunteer their time as park chairmen in order to help maintain each individual park and greenway throughout the city. Each member is assigned one park and oversees the annual budget for that park. The budget typically includes such items as seasonal and other plantings, trimming, weeding, fertilizing, pest control, and other necessary maintenance. The City of Nichols Hills is responsible for the mowing, watering, and electricity of each park.

II. FUND-RAISING
Parks, Inc. is self-supporting and raises funds in several ways. First and foremost, there is a direct solicitation letter sent to each resident asking for a donation to support a particular neighborhood park. These funds are specifically designated to each park and spent as directed by the park chairman.

Donations for the Nichols Hills Directory are another means of raising park funds. Advertising donations from local businesses for this publication benefit the organization. And, each family that donates a minimum of $25 to one of the 31 parks during the year is sent a directory free of charge. Donations for directories can also be made at City Hall: $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents. For additional information see Nichols Hills Directory project.

The Nichols Hills Garden Tour, begun in 1990 under the leadership of Board Chairman Susan Marshall, also raises money for the parks. During this one-day event, five to six residents generously open their private gardens to the public for viewing. Over the years, this successful tour has funded the purchase of park benches, trash receptacles, landscaping installation, tree trimming, as well as the annual Christmas lights, which delight the residents during the holidays.

The City of Nichols Hills is proud of its many park areas, of which Davis and Kite Parks are the most costly to maintain. In order to help raise additional funds for Davis and Kite Parks, a Party in the Park fundraiser was held by Parks, Inc. in 2014, spearheaded by Amy Bankhead.

III. MAJOR MILESTONES-Davis Park & Kite Park transformations
Through the generosity of the Margaret and William Davis family, Katie and Aubrey McClendon, and the Frederick Upton Foundation, Davis Park went through an extensive renovation in 1997. This makeover added many beautiful amenities to the park including playground equipment and a paved walk-way around the park.

Established in 1934 by Dr. G.A. Nichols and William Kite, Kite Park was re-developed in 2008 due to the vision and leadership of Peter Hoffman, Jr. and the generous donations of many residents; most notably Katie and Aubrey McClendon, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Louise and Clay Bennett, Sydney and Emory Hood, and Allie and Walter Duncan, Jr. This transformation is not only lovely, but has significantly increased community activity in the park. A key addition to Kite Park was the installation of a walk-way, which was partially funded by Parks, Inc.

IV: THANK YOU!
Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. thrives because of the numerous volunteer hours given by the 31 board members of Parks, Inc. along with community support. This commitment plus the generosity of our residents are vital to the beautification and maintenance of the lovely parks and greenways in our neighborhood.